Well, that was freaky.

[LordKiltClad]

Dread,
Education is always an option. Even a local community college is available. If you really want that job in the Library, there is a degree for Library Sciences. Financial aid is available.

If a physical college is difficult, there are PLENTY of online degrees. Even well known colleges have online or continuing education courses. The Dallas County Community College Districts DCCCD. 9 Campuses around Dallas www.dcccd.edu offer a number of degrees you don't have to leave your computer chair for. Hone your creative skills with an art degree, or fashion merchandising.

Is there a Ren Faire near you? Scarborough Faire south of Dallas has a one man show of a pirate telling stories. He's been there a few years. I've watched a few. Always just little life lessons with some true life humor. With your look (with some added pirate garb), and knowledge that sounds like a seasonal opportunity. "When the priest turned to me and said, 'God looks down and smiles....the devil....". Your truisms that you add to people lives in small way on the boards here can be shared.

Just a thought.

True pirates don't abandon ship, so you can't give up yet.

[ckelly327]

Dread,

Please contact these people:

http://www.scvrd.net/

I used a similar program in NY called VESID that provided me with free training in fixing computers and troubleshooting network software. I wasn't quite ready to go back to work full time but they offered to help place me in a job at the time. Now, I use the knowledge to maintain computers for a few small businesses in the area while still getting disability (major depression, anxiety, panic, 2 suicide attempts, heart failure, vtach with implanted defibrillator, etc.). I know it's time to go back out there to get a "real" job but I have the same 10 year gap as you do in my job history. Legally employers can't ask about your disability in NY but you know that you have some kind of reason as to why you haven't worked outside of the home in 10 years. It's a catch-22.

Just check out that website to see how they can help you find what you are looking for. my best to you and Mrs. Dread.

[Dreadbelly]

Ah, voc rehab. Been there. They said I was unfit for work and belong on full disability. They were the ones that got me retirement status with social security. It was determined that it was economically cheaper to have me on social security SSI and medi-x because it would cost any potential employers to much money granting me healthcare. That happened when I last got sick (from stress and working) and had to spend all that time in the hospital. So I had medical retirement status and doctors orders not to be in a stressful environment due to health issues. (work)

And I am no longer on SS/SSI due to a long and complicated set of circumstances. I fell through the cracks. I could probably get a lawyer and set about getting it again, but that could take years, and doesn't help me now. Or in the future. When things like SS/SSI collapse or the requirements change and suddenly a bunch of folk find themselves up chocolate creek with out a popcicle stick. I'd honestly like to find a means to take care of my self.

Stick with school. I've been studying. Soon, I think I'll be reading to take the sewing machine test, and then move on. I have some practical exercies to do as well. Need to find a way out to a fabric store for a little scavenger hunt activity.